By Nathan Prewett
MOODY – During a regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 10 the Moody City Council approved selling a sewer system to the city of Margaret.
City Attorney James Hill explained the resolution, saying that several years ago the city purchased the sewer system, which was owned by the same entity that served Margaret and Argo. The systems are now in need of updates he said.
But it was decided that the city would offer Margaret the purchase of the system. Hill said that the city of Margaret has agreed to the terms and will buy it for $4 million.
“In my opinion it’s an outstanding opportunity for the city of Moody to recoup some funds so that it can focus on [city projects],” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity for the city of Margaret to invest in its infrastructure so they can continue to grow.”
The transaction should be completed in a few months, said Mayor Joe Lee.
The council also approved a resolution for the city to enter into a settlement agreement in a mass tort litigation against the pharmaceutical company Endo. Several years ago the city entered into the litigation against the company in regard to what Hill called the opioid crisis.
“There is no question that the overprescribing and addictions related to the opioid pandemic affected every area of the country and the city of Moody is absolutely not immune to that,” he said. “Our cities spend money through first responders to deal with this crisis.”
While Moody will receive several thousand from the lawsuit, the state will take most of the money, Jill stated. The resolution was passed unanimously.
In other business, the council:
- Approved a request by Moody Civic Center Director Mike Staggs for a brick knee walls at the center for $6,500,
- Approved Staggs’ request to purchase set of tires for a Honda Pilot for $700,
- Approved a request from Public Works Director Steve Mitchell to purchase a concrete saw for $1,000,
- Approved a request by Police Chief Thomas Hunt to spend up to $3,000 from the narcotics budget,
- Approved Councilwoman Linda Crowe’s request to purchase for the Moody Senior Center two TruSens Air Purifiers and two extra HEPA Anti-Viral Filters for a total of $860.40,
- Donated a track of land off the Park Ave. right of way to the state as part of Moody intersection improvements on SR 25 and Park Avenue,
- Approved Councilman Lynn Taylor’s request to pass Resolution R2022-01-10, allowing $2,000 to hire incentive for five firefighters/paramedics with the new hire signing a two-year employment contract,
- Approved recalling Ordinance M2021-08-09A (2012-A) Moody 2021 – Warrant Ordinance (A) 2021-A,
- Approved Lee’s request to adopt Ordinance M2022-01-10A authorizing the issuance of general obligation warrants, series 2022-A. This is a new bond for the design of the new police station and
- Approved advertising, hiring or leasing the concession stand at Moody City Hall.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.